Toyota Venza

The Car Connection Toyota Venza Overview

After seven years on the market, 2015 will be the last year for the Toyota Venza, a combination of crossover, hatchback, and wagon.

The mid-size, five-door Venza is roomy and functional, while providing a car-like ride and decent fuel efficiency. It's available with all-wheel drive and is most similar to the Honda Crosstour, while Venza rivals also include vehicles like the Audi Allroad, Ford Edge, Subaru Outback, and Jeep Cherokee.

After the Venza's exit, the slack likely will be picked up by Toyota's similarly sized and more modern Highlander crossover as well as the slightly smaller RAV4. We don't expect another vehicle to directly replace the Venza anytime in the future.

The Venza was new for the 2009 model year, a combination of hardware gleaned from the Toyota Camry sedan and Highlander crossover. Then and now, the Venza has offered either a 182-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, both with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and hooked up to a six-speed automatic. Overall, the base four feels just fine, except under the steepest grades or hauling a full load. The V-6 is stronger and smoother but isn't as miserly at the pump. Four-cylinder Venzas get as high as an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 29 highway.

The Venza is definitely a practical package, especially compared to the Camry sedan it's based on. It's just not a car to get excited about, much like the Camry sedan again. It handles well enough, but it doesn't ask you to push it either. The main advantages of the Venza over a Camry are its available all-wheel drive and the additional space afforded by the shape. Other than that, the two are pretty similar.

The five-seat Venza prioritizes passenger comfort, with a high H-point that makes it easier for older folks to get in and out. The roofline is also raised up for increased headroom and cargo-hauling abilities, and the rear seats fold to expand the cargo bay. But the details are somewhat disappointing; there is hard plastic in many places, and the shape of the hatch cuts into what could be a larger cargo stow. The Venza can also let in more road noise than most of its competition.

Safety has been a strong point for the Venza; it's earned top five-star and good ratings, comes with all the safety features afforded by other vehicles in its class, and doesn't make the sacrifices in outward visibility that so many other curvaceous crossover vehicles do. Feature content is also quite impressive, with only a single trim offered, getting standard dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and a tilt/telescope steering wheel with audio controls. More desirable options include a JBL sound system, backseat DVD entertainment, power liftgate, and Smart Key system. The Venza hasn't had any significant changes since launch, though a USB port with iPod connectivity has been made standard, along with hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.

Toyota gave the Venza a mid-cycle refresh for 2013. Changes were essentially limited to some reshuffled features and options, the addition of a few new colors, and some slight changes to the front-end appearance. A much-improved set of connectivity and infotainment features was really the big news, with upgraded Display Audio sound systems for base LE models, an upgraded navigation system, and Toyota's Entune interface offering access to mobile apps through a tethered smartphone connection.

Toyota made further enhancements to the Venza's standard equipment for 2015. All models now include a rearview camera, and the Entune multimedia systems have been upgraded; three levels are available, with all now including features like HD Radio and pause and replay of AM and FM radio. The V-6 Venza now comes standard with the towing package. (This equipment allows the Venza to pull as much as 3,500 pounds.) As mentioned above, this will be the Venza's last year on sale. Honda is also discontinuing its similar model, the Crosstour, citing similar sales-related reasons.

This is a very nice vehicle to drive as it is a perfect size with lots of power and all the options a person would want.

Overall Rating

Interior/Exterior

Performance

Comfort and Quality

Safety

Features

Fuel Economy / MPG

Reliability

My only complaint about the new Venza is that it appears the exterior paint can be damaged very easily. I suspect that is due to a very, very thin application of clear coat. I have been driving Toyotas since...
My only complaint about the new Venza is that it appears the exterior paint can be damaged very easily. I suspect that is due to a very, very thin application of clear coat. I have been driving Toyotas since 1982 and have not experienced that problem before now and therefore intend to lodge a complaint with Toyota Canada in that regard. + More »

people found this helpful.

Was this review helpful to you? Yes

May 27, 2015

2014 Toyota Venza 4-Door Wagon V6 AWD Limited (GS)

Fit and Finish Yugo-Like

Overall Rating

Interior/Exterior

Performance

Comfort and Quality

Safety

Features

Fuel Economy / MPG

Reliability

The fit and finish on the interior is atrocious. I had to have the entire dash replaced because it was so badly made. Gaps everywhere. It took three sets of mud flaps before they could find four that fit...
The fit and finish on the interior is atrocious. I had to have the entire dash replaced because it was so badly made. Gaps everywhere. It took three sets of mud flaps before they could find four that fit properly. I will probably never buy another Toyota product. + More »

people found this helpful.

Was this review helpful to you? Yes

April 11, 2015

For 2014 Toyota Venza

can be better

Overall Rating

Interior/Exterior

Performance

Comfort and Quality

Safety

Features

Fuel Economy / MPG

Reliability

Interior quite cheap materials used..... Fuel economy not good at all..... Nicely loaded with all the toys and gadgets.... Vision, seating, comfort is very good...